“I pledge: To always seek the light of truth, to hold scholarly habits, to engage in worthy service, to maintain an untarnished character, and to lead in all things that advance the welfare of our school. In this way I will prove myself worthy of a place in the National Honor Society.”

Repeating these words last night from the National Honor Society pledge, 142 new inductees met loud applause in officially becoming part of an organization that displays their talents and dedication in and out of school.  Starting with the singing of the ‘Alma Mater’ by seniors Kuhoo Verma, Sigfried Ryan Aragona, Anthony Cubbage, and Brianna Weckerly, the ceremony began. It was followed by Principal Burton T. Hynes’ inspirational  speech to the crowd and inductees.

Processing proudly under the ‘Welcome North Penn High School’ banner, the new 2013/2014 National Honors Society members  lookedproud to be where they were last night; and they rightfully should be.

“Here are outstanding students who are more than just bright. They are involved in their community, in service, and in leadership,” commented Hynes after the ceremony. “The colleges and universities are looking for bright people, and there are lots of bright people right here.”

The application process is a tough one for NHS acceptance. These students are not the ordinary kids who ride the bus and go through the motions of everyday education. They have exhibited outstanding character, scholarship, leadership, and service in becoming a true member, not to mention a weighted grade point average of at least 5.0. A student must have applied him or herself not only inside the walls of the school itself, but in the outside world of their community also. After the students hand in the application, it is sent to a board of teachers who then vote on whether the student has the proper qualifications and characteristics.

“The kids put a lot of time and effort into it,” said advisors Mrs. Michelle Machado and Mrs. Alexis Parrish. When asked how these students differentiate from the regular students walking the halls, they responded, “They all have academics… but on top of that, they all are serving the community at large, which is just phenomenal.” They went on to talk about other crucial requirements:

“They must have a leadership position, which means they need to commit to an organization and put time and effort into it. On top of that, they need to be an active member of the North Penn Community.”

The new NHS students are looking forward to the upcoming year as members of this prestigious group.

Junior Jen Kersey mentioned that “helping the community in any way possible” is what she would like to do. Junior Gabby Verillo said she is “looking forward to meeting new friends through NHS.”  Steph Pogas, also a junior, wants to “get the fulfillment of helping others.”

No matter the motives, all thenew NHS inductees will strive to make North Penn High School a better place to be.